Mariposa, California
Mariposa, California, is a must-visit for outdoor adventures. One of the top activities is hiking the Hite Cove Trail, a moderately difficult route offering scenic views of the Merced River and the Sierra National Forest. The trail is known for its spring wildflower displays and historic mining sites. The Mariposa Grove of Giant Sequoias is another popular attraction, featuring over 500 mature giant sequoias. For water activities, the Merced River is perfect for rafting and fishing. The California State Mining and Mineral Museum is a unique attraction showcasing the state's rich mining history. Mariposa is the gateway to Yosemite National Park, where you can explore the Yosemite Falls and El Capitan. These are the best trails and outdoor activities in and near Mariposa.
Top Spots in and near Mariposa
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Lee Vining, California
Climb the Third Pillar of Dana
From Highway 120 (Tioga Road) you can park at the lot just above Tioga Lake. Another mile up the road is the Yosemite entrance, so if you hit that, you've gone too far. Follow the trail around the south side of the lake and into Glacier Canyon. After about 2 miles you'll start scrambling on the N...Read more -
Lakeshore, California
Hike to White Bark VIsta
2.3 mi / 462 ft gainA short 1 mile hike in from Kaiser Pass will lead you to the top of a ridge line with incredible views toward the east. There are two pit toilets located at the top of Kaiser Pass. If you have a high clearance, 4x4/AWD vehicle you can probably drive to this location. (I made it up here in a stock...Read more -
Mammoth Lakes, California
Devils Postpile Loop
5.01.28 mi / 243 ft gainDevils Postpile Loop is a loop trail that takes you by a river located near Mammoth Lakes, California.Read more -
Tuolumne County, California
Backpack Chewing Gum Lake
3.34.5 mi / 1000 ft gainChewing Gum Lakes is located in Emigrant Wilderness, South of Lake Tahoe and North of Yosemite, with stunning valley views and gorgeous granite faces, peaking through the tree lines of the Stanislaus National Forest. Sitting just north of Yosemite allows you to take in a portion of the beauty of ...Read more -
Tuolumne County, California
Climb Cracks at the Gianelli Edges
We first found the Gianelli Edges mentioned in the Climbers Guide to the Sonora Pass Highway. A short 2.5-3 hour drive from our place in Oakland, it's a great spot for a quick single day or overnight climbing excursion. Just head out 120 toward Yosemite and pull off on the 108 toward Burst Rock/G...Read more -
Madera County, California
Backpack the Shadows of the Minarets Loop
5.016 miAnsel Adams Wilderness is located in Mammoth Lakes, California. The trail to Lake Ediza is frequently traveled and is usually completed as an out-and-back day hike. In the summer, from 7am-7pm the road to the trail head is inaccessible to cars. To reach the trailhead you must take the shuttle fro...Read more -
Mammoth Lakes, California
Agnew Meadows to Tuolumne Meadows
5.030.27 mi / 4757 ft gainUnlike most through hikes that require two cars or hitchhiking, you can accomplish this with only one car by using a YART. Another benefit is that by entering in Mammoth, it is usually much easier to get permits as opposed to starting in Yosemite where permits can be harder to get. Then once yo...Read more
